With (EP)

Last updated
With
Nam Woo-hyun - With.jpg
EP by
Nam Woo-hyun
ReleasedOctober 19, 2021 (2021-10-19)
Genre
Length19:20
LanguageKorean
Label Woollim
Nam Woo-hyun chronology
A New Journey
(2019)		With
(2021)
Singles from With
  1. "Calm & Passion"
    Released: October 19, 2021

With is the fourth mini-album by South Korean singer Nam Woo-hyun. It was released on October 19, 2021, by Woollim Entertainment and distributed by Kakao Entertainment. After releasing his previous record A New Journey (2019) and completing his Arbor Day 2 concerts, Nam enlisted in mandatory military service that October. He completed his duties and was discharged in August 2021. He held two concerts entitled Ontact Concert: Arbor Day On shortly after his return, where he announced his forthcoming project.

Contents

Regretting some of his music from previous works, Nam crafted an R&B and pop mini-album. Following a series of photo and video teasers, With and the lead single "Calm & Passion" were simultaneously released. Nam promoted the song by performing it on music chart programs across various television networks. The mini-album peaked at number eleven on South Korea's national Gaon Album Chart and has sold over 25,000 copies since its release.

Background and recording

On October 24, 2019, Nam became the fifth member of Infinite to enlist in mandatory military service. Due to an injury he had sustained, he worked in public service to fulfill his obligations. [1] He was discharged from his duties on August 4, 2021. [2] During his deployment, Nam gained weight and peaked at about 82 kg (181 lb). Ahead of the album release, he dieted and exercised for three hours a day and lost 20 kg (44 lb) in four months. [3] [4] During preparations, he struggled to learn the choreography for the lead single, citing military responsibilities as impediments of his ability to rehearse dancing during his tenure. [5] From October 2–3, he held two online productions entitled Nam Woo-hyun Ontact Concert: Arbor Day On, his first performances since Arbor Day 2 in August 2019. [6] During the second show, the release of his forthcoming album was announced before the encore stage. [7]

While recording songs for With, Nam listened to his previous solo albums and expressed remorse over "a few things". He decided to make music that would not bring him regret in the future, stating: "As a singer of popular music, I wanted to make this album with my own color and strong points... This album leaves out my weaknesses and maximizes my strengths." [8] [9] Upon hearing the demo of "Calm & Passion", Nam was reluctant to record it because it was a "very good song", which put him under pressure. After making modifications to the track and penning a portion of its lyrics, he felt that it matched him well. [10] "My Diary" was composed with a free and flowing ternary form. Nam utilized his falsetto in its chorus. [5] Nam was inspired by teen dramas to conceive "A Song for You". [11] While making the track, he wanted to make a song that would allow him to romp around on stage. [5] Nam influenced the hairstyle and fashion that was presented for the album photos. [12] He decided to dye his hair red because "it would go well" with the lead single's concept. [13]

Music structure

Nam classifies With as an R&B record. [3] Tamar Herman of South China Morning Post labeled it "mid-tempo contemporary pop". [14] The mini-album opens with its eponymous intro, a jazzy number that begins with lyrical guitar melodies and progresses into an escalation of brass sounds. [5] It is followed by "Calm & Passion", a dreamy R&B-pop song that integrates a heavy bassline with a succinct and sentimental beat. Its lyrics convey "intense love" and the resulting deep thoughts through a concealed and composed demeanor. [15] Nam described it as an "exciting" dance-pop song that "contains a man's calm and passion". [13] "My Diary" conveys the expectation and wait for the arrival of a person to love. [5] A medium pop track, "Lonely Night" comprises an emotional melody and lyrics. [16] Nam expresses feelings of loneliness and love. [5] Conceptually a noir piece, "Alone" is a cinematic synth-pop track. [15] The mini-album closes with "A Song for You", a tropical house song which produces a "warm and refreshing sensation". [5]

Release and promotion

Nam on radio talk show Choi Hwa-jung's Power Time, October 2021 211026 namuhyeon(Nam Woo Hyun) coehwajeongyi paweotaim 16m 39s.jpg
Nam on radio talk show Choi Hwa-jung's Power Time, October 2021

On October 6, 2021, Woollim Entertainment published a poster unveiling the title of the mini-album, With. [17] Dual voice teasers with "calm" and "passion" versions were uploaded to YouTube a day later. [18] Beginning on October 8, a pair of concept photos were posted for three consecutive days: the first batch presents a red-headed Nam donning a luxurious white shirt in one image and a sleeveless white jacket in the other; [19] the second bundle shows him wearing a sheer wine-colored shirt and dressed in a refined suit; [20] in the final grouping, the singer sports a black leather jacket in the first picture, while the second is set at a bar and displays him wearing a suit. [21] Nam is seen in all the outfits in the concept trailer for With that was posted the following day. [22] An album preview was shared on October 14 and the music video teaser of "Calm & Passion" was published on the subsequent day. [23] [24]

With and the music video for "Calm & Passion" were simultaneously released on October 19. [25] The mini-album was also released in a tape art version with album artwork designed by artist Jo Yoon-jin. [26] It marked two years and five months since the release of Nam's previous mini-album A New Journey in May 2019, and his first single since "When Fall Comes" that November. [16] [17] Hosted by MC Haru, Nam held an online showcase for the mini-album on the day of its release and performed the single on social media platform Twitter's live video feature Blue Room. [27] [28] Nam began promoting "Calm & Passion" on weekly music chart shows two days later. He performed the song on KBS2's Music Bank , [29] Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation's (MBC) Show! Music Core , [30] Seoul Broadcasting System's (SBS) Inkigayo , [31] SBS MTV's The Show , [32] and Mnet's M Countdown . [33]

Critical reception and commercial performance

With received favorable reviews from all three critics from TV Daily. Park Sang-hu felt that the sexy concept suited Nam. Kim Ji-ha sensed a different impression and complimented the singer's "weighty" vocals, while Kim Han-kil noted his "appealing tone and more mature aura". [34] Writing for Sports Dong-a , Jeon Hyo-jin chose "Alone" as the "hidden track" of the album, saying that she could listen to Nam's "sexy voice to the heart's content". [35] On the chart dated October 17 – 23, 2021, With debuted at number eleven on South Korea's national Gaon Album Chart. [36] According to chart aggregator Hanteo Chart, the mini-album sold 25,379 copies by the end of the month. [37]

Track listing

With [38]
No.TitleLyricsMusicArrangementLength
1."With"  twlv, The Needtwlv, The Need1:28
2."Calm & Passion" (냉정과 열정 사이;Naengjeonggwa Yeoljeong Sai)Nam Woo-hyun, twlv, The Needtwlv, The Needtwlv, The Need3:29
3."Lonely Night"SeionLee Min-young, Seion, YeulLee Min-young, Yeul3:52
4."Somehow (My Diary)" (오늘따라;Oneul Ttara)KZKZ, NthoniusNthonius3:27
5."Alone"Nam Woo-hyunCroq, Chris Wahle, Bae Won-bin, Moon Won-wooCroq, Bae Won-bin, Moon Won-woo3:34
6."A Song for You"Nam Woo-hyun, Jerry CarrotNam Woo-hyun, Jerry Carrot, Kim Jae-jongKim Jae-jong3:30
Total length:19:20

Chart

Chart (2021)Peak
position
South Korean Albums (Gaon) [36] 11

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Infinite (group)</span> South Korean boy band

Infinite is a South Korean boy band formed in 2010 by Woollim Entertainment. The group is composed of six members: Sungkyu, Dongwoo, Woohyun, Sungyeol, L, and Sungjong. Originally a seven-piece group, Hoya departed from the group on August 30, 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hoya (singer)</span> South Korean singer

Lee Ho-dong, better known by his stage name Hoya or Lee Ho-won, is a South Korean singer, rapper, songwriter, dancer, actor and currently a member of dance crew MBITIOUS. He is known served as a rapper and vocalist in boy band Infinite from 2010 until his departure from Woollim Entertainment in 2017. In 2018, Hoya made his solo debut on March 28 with his first EP Shower.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nam Woo-hyun</span> South Korean singer and actor (born 1991)

Nam Woo-hyun, known mononymously as Woohyun, is a South Korean singer, songwriter, actor and the main vocalist of South Korean boy group Infinite.

<i>Five Senses</i> (EP) 2016 EP by Pentagon

Five Senses is the second extended play from South Korean boy band Pentagon. It was released on December 7, 2016, by Cube Entertainment. The album consists of five tracks, including the title track, "Can You Feel It".

<i>Do Disturb</i> 2017 EP by Jung Yong-hwa

Do Disturb is the first mini-album by South Korean musician and CNBLUE member Jung Yong-hwa. It was released on July 19, 2017, under FNC Entertainment. Its title was inspired by a "do not disturb" door hanger. Consisting of dance music tracks and balladry, the record sees a sonic shift from Jung's previous music with his band and as a solo artist.

The following is a list of notable events and releases that happened in 2018 in music in South Korea.

<i>This Is Us</i> (EP) 2018 EP by BtoB

This Is Us is the eleventh extended play by South Korean boy group BtoB. It was released by Cube Entertainment on June 18, 2018, distributed by Kakao M. The album contains seven songs, including pre-release song, "The Feeling" and title track "Only One for Me". The physical version is available in two versions: "See" and "Feel".

The following is a list of notable events and releases that happened in 2019 in South Korean music.

<i>A New Journey</i> (EP) 2019 EP by Nam Woo-hyun

A New Journey is the third mini-album by South Korean singer Nam Woo-hyun of idol group Infinite. It was released on May 7, 2019, by Woollim Entertainment and distributed by Kakao M. Having released two ballad mini-albums since 2016, Nam sought to expand his musical palette and facilitate his growth as a musician. He ultimately crafted a dance record with his stories embedded in the lyrics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">GreatGuys</span> South Korean music group

GreatGuys (Korean: 멋진녀석들) is a South Korean boy band signed to DNA Entertainment. The group consists of three members: Horyeong, Baekgyeol, Donghwi. The nonet debuted on August 25, 2017, with the single "Last Men". They received the Rookie of the Year Award at the 2018 Asia Model Awards. GreatGuys released their mini-albums Take Off in 2018, We're Not Alone_Chapter 1: It's You in 2019, and We're Not Alone_Chapter 2: You & Me in 2020.

<i>Re-boot</i> (album) 2019 Studio album by Golden Child

Re-boot is the first studio album by South Korean boy band Golden Child. It was released on November 18, 2019 through Woollim Entertainment and distributed by Kakao M. It contains twelve songs, including its lead single "Wannabe".

<i>D-Day</i> (Kim Dong-han EP) Kim Dong-han EP

D-Day is the debut extended play by South Korean singer Kim Dong-han. It was released on June 19, 2018, by Oui Entertainment and distributed by Kakao M. After Kim's stint on the second season of Mnet's survival reality series Produce 101 in 2017, he promoted as a member of JBJ with fellow former contestants for seven months. Upon the group's dissolution, he began recording music for his debut solo album. A dance record, D-Day sees Kim explore various genres on the tracks.

<i>D-Night</i> Kim Dong-han EP

D-Night is the second extended play by the South Korean singer Kim Dong-han. It was released on October 17, 2018, by Oui Entertainment and distributed by Kakao M. Upon completing promotions for his first mini-album, D-Day, Kim immediately began working on music for a new record. He contributed to songwriting for the first time.

<i>D-Hours AM 7:03</i> Kim Dong-han EP

D-Hours AM 7:03 is the third extended play by South Korean singer Kim Dong-han. It was released on May 1, 2019, by Oui Entertainment and distributed by Genie Music and Stone Music Entertainment. The record's title reflects the beginning and end of someone's day, as well as Kim's birthday. He contributed to the lyrics of all the tracks on the album, which were written amidst his travel schedule.

<i>Daydream</i> (D-Crunch EP) 2021 mini-album by D-Crunch

Daydream is the fourth mini-album by South Korean idol group D-Crunch. It was released on April 6, 2021, by Ai Grand Korea and distributed by Kakao M. It marks the group's first record following the departure of vocalist Hyunwoo. A dance and ballad album, its concept revolves around its three themes: "Memory", "Nightmare", and "Daydream".

<i>Us</i> (EP) 2021 EP by Moon Jong-up

Us is the first mini-album by South Korean singer Moon Jong-up. It was released on July 8, 2021, by Big Ocean ENM and distributed by Sony Music Korea. Following the release of his debut single album Headache and its title track in May 2020, Moon focused on defining his musical direction, which resulted in him working on the record for a year. He crafted an album which incorporates pop, hip hop, and dance music.

The following is a list of notable events and releases that have happened, or are expected to happen in 2022 in music in South Korea.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Luminous (group)</span> South Korean boy band

Luminous is a South Korean idol group signed with SE Group Entertainment. Consisting of members Youngbin, Suil, Steven, and Woobin, the quartet released the pre-debut mini-album Vision in August 2021 before launching its first mini-album Youth the following month. The group has since released a second mini-album entitled Between Light and Darkness and its first full-length album Luminous in Wonderland in 2022.

<i>Inside Me</i> (EP) Mini-album by Kim Sung-kyu

Inside Me is the third mini-album by South Korean singer Kim Sung-kyu. It was released on December 14, 2020, by Woollim Entertainment and distributed by Kakao M. Upon completing his compulsory military service in January 2020, Kim sought to release new music. Facing delays amid the COVID-19 pandemic, he recorded music which deviated from his previous work, resulting in an electropop and R&B record.

<i>Wont Forget You</i> (single album) Single album by Kim Sung-kyu

Won't Forget You is the first single album by South Korean singer Kim Sung-kyu. It was released on March 29, 2021, by Woollim Entertainment and distributed by Kakao Entertainment. It marked Kim's final album with the agency after the expiration of his contract and departure from the label. Following a series of photo and video teasers, Won't Forget You and the lead single "Hush" were simultaneously released. The album peaked at number fourteen on South Korea's national Circle Album Chart and has shifted over 11,000 copies since its release.

References

  1. ↑ Lee, Ho-yeon (October 24, 2019). 인피니트 측 "남우현, 오늘(24일) 조용히 입소→대체복무" [공식]. Hankook Ilbo (in Korean). Dongwha Enterprise. Retrieved November 9, 2021.
  2. ↑ Han, Su-ji (August 4, 2021). "우현이 내게 오나봐" 인피니트 남우현, 오늘(4일) 소집 해제. Top Star News (in Korean). Retrieved November 9, 2021.
  3. 1 2 Go, Seung-a (October 26, 2021). "새 앨범은 필살기" 남우현, 20kg 감량→삼두 자신감까지(종합). News1 (in Korean). Retrieved November 9, 2021.
  4. ↑ Seo, Yu-na (October 27, 2021). '정희' 남우현 "82kg까지 살쪄, 4개월만 20kg 감량 성공". Newsen (in Korean). Retrieved November 9, 2021.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Lee, Seung-hun (October 19, 2021). "남우현의 전성기"..인피니트 남우현, 절제된 섹시美로 눈+귀 다잡을 '냉정과 열정 사이'[종합]. Osen (in Korean). Retrieved November 9, 2021.
  6. ↑ Cheon, Yun-hye (September 3, 2021). 인피니트 남우현, 소집해제 후 본격 활동..10월 온택트 콘서트 '식목일 ON' 개최(공식). Herald Pop (in Korean). Herald Corporation . Retrieved November 9, 2021.
  7. ↑ Jung, Hee-yeon (October 4, 2021). 인피니트 남우현, 첫 온택트 콘서트 '식목일 On' 성료. Sports Dong-a (in Korean). Dong-a Ilbo Company. Retrieved November 9, 2021.
  8. ↑ Kim, Yeong-jin (October 19, 2021). 남우현 "인피니트로서 멋진 성공...군백기 동안 내려놓으려 노력". Asia Today (in Korean). Retrieved November 9, 2021.
  9. ↑ Lee, Nam-kyeong (October 19, 2021). 인피니트 남우현 "'위드', 나만의 색깔+장점 극대화시킨 앨범". MBN Star (in Korean). Maeil Broadcasting Network . Retrieved November 9, 2021.
  10. ↑ Go, Seung-a (October 19, 2021). 남우현 "데뷔 12년차, 여전히 무대에 냉정하고 열정적이다". News1 (in Korean). Retrieved November 9, 2021.
  11. ↑ Hwang, Chae-yeon (October 19, 2021). [종합]남우현, 군백기 깬 '나른 섹시'. Sports Kyunghyang (in Korean). Kyunghyang Company. Retrieved November 9, 2021.
  12. ↑ An, Ha-na (October 18, 2021). 인피니트 남우현, '위드' 기대 포인트 셋...#파격변신 #나른섹시 #무한성장. MBN Star (in Korean). Maeil Broadcasting Network. Retrieved November 9, 2021.
  13. 1 2 Whoa Whoa Calm Down Woohyun Triceps 💪| 'With' Album Jacket Behind. V Live (in Korean). Infinite. October 24, 2021. Retrieved November 9, 2021.
  14. ↑ Herman, Tamar (October 31, 2021). "Best K-pop releases of October 2021: NCT 127's Favorite, Aespa's Savage, CL's Alpha, IU's Strawberry Moon, and more". South China Morning Post . SCMP Publishers. Retrieved November 9, 2021.
  15. 1 2 Park, Jae-yeong (October 14, 2021). 인피니트 남우현, 'With' 트랙리스트 오픈···다채로운 장르의 총 6곡. Munhwa News (in Korean). Retrieved November 9, 2021.
  16. 1 2 Bael, Ji-eun (October 19, 2021). [SC현장] "인피니트 넘을것"...남우현, '냉정과 열정사이'로 열 '솔로 전성기'(종합). Sports Chosun (in Korean). Chosun Media. Retrieved November 9, 2021.
  17. 1 2 Kim, Na-yeong (October 7, 2021). 인피니트 남우현, 19일 네 번째 미니 앨범 'With' 발매...2년 5개월 만. MK Sports (in Korean). Retrieved November 9, 2021.
  18. ↑ Heo, Seon-cheol (October 8, 2021). 인피니트 남우현 컴백...타이틀곡 '냉정과 열정 사이' 티저 공개. Single List (in Korean). Retrieved November 9, 2021.
  19. ↑ Ha, Gyeong-heon (October 9, 2021). 남우현, 빨간머리 깜짝 변신. Sports Kyunghyang (in Korean). Kyunghyang Company. Retrieved November 9, 2021.
  20. ↑ Seon, Mi-kyeong (October 10, 2021). '컴백' 인피니트 남우현, 아련vs시크 독보적 분위기. Osen (in Korean). Retrieved November 9, 2021.
  21. ↑ Lee, Deok-haeng (October 11, 2021). 인피니트 남우현, 마지막 콘셉트 포토 공개...범접 불가 '섹시 카리스마'. Starnews (in Korean). Retrieved November 9, 2021.
  22. ↑ Lee, Min-ji (October 12, 2021). 인피니트 남우현, 몽환·섹시·시크 다 잡은 가을 남자...콘셉트 트레일러. Newsen (in Korean). Retrieved November 9, 2021.
  23. ↑ Lee, Seul (October 15, 2021). 인피니트 남우현, '위드' 프리뷰 공개...다채로운 장르+탄탄한 완성도. xportsnews (in Korean). xportsmedia. Retrieved November 9, 2021.
  24. ↑ Hong, Seong-hun (October 16, 2021). 인피니트 남우현, '냉정과 열정 사이' 티저 공개. NBN News (in Korean). Retrieved November 9, 2021.
  25. ↑ An, So-yun (October 19, 2021). 남우현, 2년6개월만에 앨범 '위드' 발매. Newsis (in Korean). Retrieved November 9, 2021.
  26. ↑ Seo, Sang-hyeon (October 18, 2021). 인피니트 남우현, 색다른 테이프 아트 버전 앨범 커버 공개. Top Daily (in Korean). Retrieved November 9, 2021.
  27. ↑ Kim, Na-yeong (October 20, 2021). '쇼케이스 섭외 1순위' MC하루, 에이티즈 이어 남우현 쇼케이스까지 섭렵. MK Sports (in Korean). Retrieved November 9, 2021.
  28. ↑ Kim, Su-jin (October 21, 2021). 인피니트 남우현, SNS 라이브→'마이크 인 더 신' 오픈..글로벌 팬심 저격. Starnews (in Korean). Retrieved November 9, 2021.
  29. ↑ Jang, Min-su (October 22, 2021). 인피니트 남우현, 나른 섹시 매력 '냉정과 열정 사이' 무대 (뮤뱅). Single List (in Korean). Retrieved November 9, 2021.
  30. ↑ Kim, Hye-yeong (October 23, 2021). '음악중심' 남우현, '냉정과 열정 사이'로 컴백... 치명적 섹시美 눈길. MBC Entertainment (in Korean). Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation . Retrieved November 9, 2021.
  31. ↑ An, Eun-jae (October 24, 2021). 인피니트 남우현, '나른 섹시' 완전 무장...'손가락 하트' 화려한 컴백 무대. Sportsseoul (in Korean). Retrieved November 9, 2021.
  32. ↑ Lee, Dong-keun (October 24, 2021). '더쇼' 인피니트 남우현, 역대급 컴백 무대...스윗→나른 섹시까지. Mediapen (in Korean). Retrieved November 9, 2021.
  33. ↑ Hwang, Jee-young (October 24, 2021). '엠카' 인피니트 남우현, 글로벌 팬심 녹인 '나른 섹시'. Ilgan Sports (in Korean). Retrieved November 9, 2021.
  34. ↑ Kim, Han-kil (October 24, 2021). 세븐틴·씨엔블루·씨엘·남우현·이진혁, 세련미 가득한 신보 [이번주 뭐 들었니?]. TV Daily (in Korean). Retrieved November 9, 2021.
  35. ↑ Jeon, Hyo-jin (October 29, 2021). 세븐틴 'Pang!', 빈틈없다 [전효진의 사심픽]. Sports Dong-a (in Korean). Dong-a Ilbo Company. Retrieved November 9, 2021.
  36. 1 2 2021년 43주차 Album Chart (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart . Retrieved November 9, 2021.
  37. ↑ Hicap, Jonathan (November 1, 2021). "Seventeen's 'Attacca' tops monthly chart with 1.76-M copies sold; debuts on Billboard 200". Manila Bulletin . Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation. Retrieved November 9, 2021.
  38. ↑ With (liner notes). Nam Woo-hyun. Woollim Entertainment. 2021. 1106862885.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.